United Nations Mission in South Sudan – Communications & Public Information Office
The International Day of United Nations
Peacekeepers is a solemn occasion com-
memorated around the world in all Peace-
keeping Missions to remember those who
have given their lives in the cause of peace.
Notable this year, several peacekeepers lost
their lives during the fight against Ebola in
West Africa, including one young staff mem-
ber from South Sudan, who was working in
Liberia. The ceremony, which brings togeth-
er peacekeepers, the host nation and the
international partners includes a wreath
laying ceremony.
Since the first UN peacekeeping mission
was established in 1948 and until April 2015,
3,358 military, police and civilian personnel
have lost their lives in the service of peace
as a result of acts of violence, accidents and
disease. During the last 18 months, 166
peacekeepers worldwide have died, 15 of
which were UNMISS staff members, in
addition to three Russian airmen under
contract with the Mission whose helicopter
was brought down near Bentiu last August.
These provide a sobering reminder of the
danger and many risks that UN peacekeep-
ers face as they perform their duties in
areas affected by war, violence and insecu-
rity.
TOGETHER FOR PEACE
This year coincides with the
70th anniversary of the creation of
the United Nations and the beginning of
global peacekeeping. The UN is therefore
reflecting on past, present and future of
Peacekeeping to reaffirm the UN commit-
ment to working ‘Together for Peace’. The
UN has participated in a total of 71 peace-
keeping operations in Africa, the Americas,
Asia, Europe and the Middle East. The
number of people who have been involved
in UN Peacekeeping (more than 1 million)
far surpasses the total number of staff that
have been employed by the UN in all other
capacities across the globe. Today, some
125,000 women and men serve in 16
peacekeeping missions worldwide. They
are working in many of the world’s most
challenging environments and are mandat-
ed to deliver increasingly complex and diffi-
cult tasks.
UNMISS celebrates 70th United Nations International Peacekeepers Day
1 June 2015 Issue No. 6
UNMISS NEWS United Nations Mission in South Sudan
Mr. Michael Makuei Lueth, Minister of Information and Broadcasting (second from left) and SRSG Loej lay wreath for fallen UN peacekeepers
UNMISS Photo / JC Mcilwaine
Inside this issue:
Snapshot of UNMISS assistance to South 2
United Nations International Peacekeep- 2
UNMISS Police, UNMISS Force and Quick 2
UN International Peacekeepers Day 3
Chinese Infantry battalion inaugurates 3
Troop Contributing Country & UNPOL 4
Photo, Video and Web links 4
© Copyright 2015, all rights reserved. Excerpts
and links may be used, provided that credit is
clearly attributed to the United Nations Mission
in South Sudan (UNMISS) with specific links to
the original content where possible.
United Nations Mission in South Sudan – Communications & Public Information Office
The UNMISS mandate was voted by the Security Council
in resolution 1996 (2011). As a result of the conflict it was
amended in May 2014. It been extended twice for six
months. The current mandate runs until 30 November 2015
and focuses on four main priorities: protection of civilians,
monitoring and investigation of human rights abuses, facili-
tating the delivery of humanitarian assistance, and sup-
porting the implementation of the Cessation of Hostilities
Agreement signed in January 2014.
UNMISS Police/ UNPOL conduct patrols that maintain
presence and vigilance, as well as protecting UN personnel and
property; interacting with local communities, and supporting hu-
manitarian agencies during IDP registration for food distribution,
and the conduct of gender related activities including of gender
related activities.
UNPOL also provides support to the South Sudan National Police
Services (SSNPS) through the implementation of a Confidence and
Trust building Policing Strategy (CTBPS) which is designed to pro-
mote the safe return of the internally displaced persons and refu-
gees back to their homes.
Through targeted infrastructure projects (Quick Impact
Projects), UNMISS builds relationships and partners with the
local population to deliver tangible results throughout South
Sudan in the areas of education, health and security infra-
structure. Since 2013, over 30 Quick Impact Projects have
been implemented. These projects include establishing
police facilities, water and sanitation points, constructing
and upgrading hospitals, building schools, rehabilitating
bridges, upgrading radio communication, drilling boreholes,
constructing community centers, supporting peacebuilding
initiative, erecting market centers and building local courts.
In February 2015, over 1,500 Magwi Town households re-
ceived a Solar-Powered Water System implemented by
UNMISS, UN Habitat, and the Italian NGO AVSI. The project
directly improved the quality of drinking water, mitigates a
water shortage, and fosters a higher level of security for
women and girls fetching water.
Snapshot of UNMISS assistance to South Sudan
Quick Impact Projects
United Nations International Peacekeepers Day in Juba
Page 2
UNMISS NEWS
UNMISS Force: Daily operations during the last six months have achieved:
Physical protection to civilians inside
and outside UNMISS bases through force protection, patrolling, engage-ment with local authorities and communities
Creation of conditions conducive to
the delivery of humanitarian assis-tance through 1,560 air patrol hours in support of air reconnaissance and security assessments
1,733 mobile troops patrol days
conducted by military liaison officers at the state level and 1,872 mobile troop patrol days at the county level
116,800 mobile troop days conduct-
ed in integrated teams in support of Intergovernmental Authority on Development’s (IGAD) Monitoring and Verification Teams in 8 sites towards support of implementation of Cessation of Hostilities agree-ment.
UNMISS Police:
The establishment of the 3 Police posts
through UNMISS-funded Quick Impact Projects to facilitate voluntary return of IDPs to three areas of Juba: Khor Williams, Mia u Saba and Hai Tarawa
Increase public confidence in the SSNPS by
providing advice and support to the estab-lishment of the 777 Emergency Response Unit to help deal with public complaints and security issues within Juba
Support in sensitization of SSNPS officers
from Central Equatoria State
Sensitization of the SSNPS on human rights;
international humanitarian law; protection of civilians; community policing; gender, child and vulnerable persons protection; and professional ethics
Operational coordination including advice
and sensitization in all 10 states on civilians protection, Human Rights and Gender-related issues
UNPOL carries around 60 patrols across South Sudan every day.
United Nations Mission in South Sudan – Communications & Public Information Office
traditional Chinese drum. Also attending
the ceremony , the SRSG and Head of
UNMISS Ellen Margrethe Loej said. “I am
please to note that the first ever Chinese
Infantry battalion in the history of UN
Peacekeeping is 700 men and women
strong, was deployed to South Sudan and
part of them are standing in front of us –
no doubt in recognition of the very big
challenges faced by this country”.
On 26 May, the very first Chi-
nese Peacekeeping Infantry
Battalion to ever be deployed in a
Peacekeeping Mission held an
inauguration ceremony for its
headquarters in UN House, UN-
MISS compound in Juba. The
battalion headquarters gates
were opened by the resident
Chinese Ambassador to South
Sudan, Ma Qiang, as he beat a
Chinese Infantry battalion inaugurates headquarters camp
Page 3
UNMISS NEWS
Force Commander Lt. Gen. Yohannes Gebremeskel Tesfamariam and SRSG Loej inspecting the troops
UNMISS Photo/ JC Mcilwaine
Flags were raised, wreaths were laid and many a
tribute was paid to fallen and serving peacekeep-
ers as UNMISS commemorated the International
Day of UN Peacekeepers (29 May) across the coun-
try. On the day and throughout the weekend UN
leadership, local authorities and various represent-
atives of the civil society all came together to hon-
our peacekeepers who have given their lives in the
name of peace, and to salute the contributions
made by more than 125,000 peacekeepers around
the globe, 14,000 of whom are serving in South
Sudan.
Kuajok, Warrap State At least 5,000 people left their homes behind and showed up at the Sports Stadium to enjoy an exciting football and volleyball games between UNMISS teams and local Kuajok All Stars teams. Acting Governor, Akec Tong Aleu, said the event was the most well-attended ever in his state and would “promote cordial relations between UN-MISS and our people”. He also commended the Mission for having saved “thousands of lives” through its presence and patrols, adding: “With you here, no matter for how long, we are sure that peace and stability will return to our country”. Bentiu, Unity State UNMISS State Coordinator Mary Cummins hailed the “relentless dedication” and hard work of the peacekeepers deployed in the state. With more than 62,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs)
currently seeking shelter and assistance at the UNMISS Protection of Civilians sites in the states, resources are stretched to the limits, and Ms. Cummins warned that worse may still come. “As long as the fighting goes on, the humanitarian crisis in Unity State will deteriorate further. The recent military offensives have destroyed count-less homes and livelihoods”, she noted. Eastern Equatoria State Sporting activities, as table tennis, pool and a Peacekeepers’ Day race were organized commem-orate the day in Torit and Kapoeta. In Kapoeta, UNMISS staff explained their different roles in fulfilling the mission mandate and screened a video showcasing the work of UN peacekeeping operations around the world. Meanwhile, in Torit, Jerome Gama Surur, the Deputy Governor of the State emphasized the importance of peacekeepers being present and visible. “The presence of peace-keepers enhances stability and gives confidence to the people. When the communities see you , they feel safe and therefore don’t run away”, he said. Rumbek, Lakes State
More than one thousand people in the community
of Cuei Chok Payam in Lakes State’s Rumbek East
County were treated to what the Chief of the
Dhieu clan Mayek Manyuon described as an “eye-
opener” when UNMISS staff visited the location
and its primary school. Dut Makoi, State Minister
of Education, acknowledged that peacekeeping is
indeed a very challenging endeavor and that the
impartiality of UNMISS unfortunately makes the
mission subject to inevitable criticism from differ-
ent communities across the country.
Wau, Western Bahr El Ghazal UNMISS staff in, donated food and clothes to the elderly and most disadvantaged, including children at the Don Bosco Orphanage. Students and local artists performed dances and dramas, while uni-formed peacekeepers marched alongside a South Sudanese police band in a procession from Peace Square to Wau Stadium. Aweil, Northern Bahr El Ghazal UNMISS peacekeepers displayed their generosity, this year by visiting and handing over food and non-food donations at Aweil Central Prison and blood to Aweil Civil Hospital. UNMISS State Coordi-nator Koliab Nahataba commented that the UN is in the country for everybody and expressed his faith those currently in jail will one day become “useful citizens of the society”. The generous, peacekeeping spirit continued in the evening, when an UNMISS football team made sure the opposing local team Black Eagles could celebrate victory and lift a glorious trophy to the fading light of the sky. Jonglei
Peacekeepers marked the Day with sporting activi-ties, cultural performances and multicultural culi-nary offerings, much to the delight of the approxi-mately 450 people in attendance.
UN International Peacekeepers Day in other states
United Nations Mission in South Sudan – Communications & Public Information Office
CLICK THE LINKS
UNMISS NEWS
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.836706023071737.1073742434.160839527325060&type=3
UNMISS flickr album: https://www.flickr.com/photos/unmissmultimedia/sets/72157652638014909
UN Peacekeeping facebook post: https://www.facebook.com/unpeacekeeping/
posts/10152794965431003
VIDEO Chinese Infantry battalion inaugurates headquarters camp http://www.unmultimedia.org/tv/unifeed/2015/05/s-sudan-chinese-battalion/
WEBSITE UNMISS Japanese contingent hands over port security fence to government http://bit.ly/1Gy70dO UNPOL chief concludes visit to three states http://bit.ly/1IYYEfG
STATEMENT Statement from UNMISS SRSG Loej on the occasion of the commemoration of Africa Day bit.ly/1EwVQAf
FLICKR GALLERY International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers https://www.flickr.com/photos/unmissmultimedia/sets/72157651309539334
UNDP and Nile Hope hand over new market shed in Ming-kaman UNMISS facebook album: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.836423086433364.1073742433.160839527325060&type=1 UNMISS flickr album: https://www.flickr.com/photos/unmissmultimedia/sets/72157653104796521 UNMAS visit mine clearance site in Central Equatoria UNMISS facebook album:
Spokesperson and Media Unit Ariane Quentier, Spokesperson, [email protected] - +211 912 177 770
Joseph Contreras, [email protected] - +211 912 178 839
Shantal Persaud, [email protected] - +211 912 177 592
Safiatu Kamara, [email protected] - +211 912 171 681
We are on Radio! Radio Miraya 101 FM , We are on the web! www.unmiss.unmissions.org
Photos of the week
WEBSITE
Ban Ki-moon condemns continued fighting in South Sudan http://bit.ly/1LAVTRq Abducted children returned to Bor County http://bit.ly/1FyIgQJ Children killed abducted and raped in South Sudan attacks – UNICEF http://bit.ly/1At7a53
UNMISS organizes essay competition for peacekeepers day
http://bit.ly/1KgJaT4 UNMISS hands over two-classroom block to Ikotos Primary School
http://bit.ly/1Ku1KKM Community leaders in Bentiu protection site trained in conflict mitigation http://bit.ly/1FPaVo1 SRSG Loej briefs UN Security Council http://bit.ly/1IEGgIV
UNMISS Troop Contributing Countries (TCC)
*Figures cited below as of May 2015
TCC TCC Acronym Troop Strength
India INDBATT 1/2 2267
Nepal NEPBATT 1/2 1576
Rwanda RWANBATT 1/2 1841
Ethiopia ETHBATT 1/2 1265
Kenya KENBATT 735
Mongolia MONBATT 862
Ghana GHANBATT 312
China CHINBATT 512
Bangladesh 279
Cambodia 149
Japan 272
Korea 273
Sri Lanka 673
Total 10485
Military Liaison Officers 187
Staff Officers 312
GRAND TOTAL 10984
UNMISS Police
*Figures cited below as of May 2015
POLICE Strength
UNPOL 560
Formed Police Unit (FPU) 470
Total 1030
UNMISS Photos
Top Related